A Guide to NYC HVAC Apprenticeships in 2024

Starting a career as an HVAC technician in New York City is more than just getting a job. It’s about building a career in an important and growing field.

As a larger demand for more efficient heating and cooling systems grows HVAC technicians become more critical. This demand comes from stricter energy efficiency standards for new buildings and older ones. New technology, like heat pumps, are changing the game, for the better!

To begin a career as an HVAC technician, you should first get the required safety certifications and join an apprenticeship program. After that, you can start working on the systems that keep the city's buildings comfortable all year round.

This ensures you have the skills and knowledge to perform your job safely and effectively. In this guide, we will show you how to become a certified HVAC technician in New York City. We will cover the types of certifications you can get and how to find the right apprenticeship program to start your career.

The Growing Demand for HVAC Technicians

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of HVAC technicians is projected to grow 9% annually until 2033. This is very fast. The average employment growth is just 4%. In New York, the demand is even higher due to the city's dense population and the continuous need for climate-controlled environments in both residential and commercial buildings. 

HVAC Apprenticeships in New York City

If you’re just starting, an apprenticeship is the best possible first step toward becoming a certified HVAC technician. Apprenticeships are earn-to-learn programs where you get paid to acquire skills and knowledge in the trade. In New York City the average HVAC Apprenticeship wage is $22 an hour.

An HVAC apprentice does basic maintenance. They clean ducts and replace refrigerant. They also service parts of heaters and air conditioners while learning from a more experienced, licensed technician.

To get started as an apprentice you can take a few paths:

1. Find an apprenticeship through a sponsoring employer or union.

   Gild helps anyone looking for an HVAC apprentice find roles that fit their location and experience level.

2. Attend community or technical college (usually two years) or trade school (usually six to nine months).

Getting Certificates

In New York City, working as an HVAC technician requires proper certification to ensure all work meets safety and environmental standards. Common safety certifications that employers look for, sometimes before hiring you as an apprentice are the following:

1. OSHA 30

2. OSHA 10

3. New York Site Safety Certification (SST)

4. Scaffolding Certification

To Work as an HVAC Technician you will need the following:

• EPA Section 608 Certification: Required by the Environmental Protection Agency for technicians who handle refrigerants.

How to Get an HVAC License in New York City

After finishing an HVAC apprenticeship in NYC, it is important to know the types of licenses you can pursue. The state of New York does not license HVAC professionals at the state level. Instead, city and county governments are responsible for oversight and licensing.

In New York City, there are three HVAC-related licenses issued. The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) issues two licenses and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) tests for and issues a refrigeration license the third.

1. The first is the Oil Burning Equipment Installer license, which comes in two classes. Class A requires four years of experience, while Class B requires three years of experience. To obtain this license, you must pass both a written exam and a practical exam, and pay the associated fees. The license remains valid for three years, after which you must renew it.

2. The second license is the High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer license.To qualify, you must meet one of eight possible experience or education requirements. Like the Oil Burning Equipment Installer license, this also requires passing a written exam and a practical exam. The license is also subject to renewal every three years.

3. The third license, issued by the FDNY, is the Refrigeration Operating Engineer Certificate of Qualification. To meet the experience requirements for this license, you can do one of three things. You can hold a related license. You can complete an approved training course. Or you can gain one year of specific experience. You must also pass a written exam and hold an EPA Universal Technician Certification. You must renew this license every three years and complete the required continuing education.